14 Habits Of People Who Fear Being Seen As Average Or Ordinary

14 Habits Of People Who Fear Being Seen As Average Or Ordinary

Ever notice how some people just seem to stand out from the crowd? They seem to have this magnetic aura around them that makes them seem extraordinary. Ever wonder if you might be one of those people who secretly harbor a fear of being average or ordinary? If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common thing, and it can manifest in some pretty interesting ways. With that in mind, here are some habits that might reveal a hidden fear of blending in.

1. You have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and self-improvement.

You’re constantly reading, learning, and taking courses to enhance your skills and broaden your horizons. You’re driven by an inner desire to always be one step ahead, to possess knowledge and abilities that make you unique and valuable. This quest for self-improvement might stem from a fear of stagnation, a fear of being left behind in the ever-evolving world.

2. You strive for perfection in everything you do.

Whether it’s your work, your hobbies, or your personal appearance, you have an unwavering commitment to excellence. You pour your heart and soul into every endeavor, constantly pushing yourself to achieve the highest standards. This relentless pursuit of perfection might be fueled by a fear of mediocrity, a fear of being perceived as just another face in the crowd.

3. You’re drawn to unique experiences and unconventional paths.

You’re not content with following the beaten path. You look for unusual opportunities, embrace new challenges, and explore unconventional ways of thinking and doing things. This thirst for novelty and adventure might be a way of expressing your individuality, a way of distinguishing yourself from the masses.

4. You crave recognition and validation from everyone around you.

You thrive on positive feedback, accolades, and public acknowledgement of your achievements. You might feel a deep-seated need to be seen and appreciated for your talents and accomplishments. This desire for recognition might be a reflection of a fear of being overlooked or underestimated.

5. You’re highly self-critical and constantly compare yourself to other people.

You have a tendency to focus on your flaws and shortcomings, often comparing yourself to those who seem more successful, talented, or accomplished. This habit of self-criticism and comparison might be driven by a fear of inadequacy, a fear of not measuring up to other people’s expectations.

6. You have an aversion to routine and predictability.

You dislike the idea of a mundane, predictable life. You crave excitement, novelty, and unexpected twists and turns. This aversion to routine might be a way of escaping the perceived monotony of an ordinary existence.

7. You’re fiercely independent and self-reliant.

You prefer to do things your own way, relying on your own abilities and resources. You might be hesitant to ask for help or collaborate with other people, fearing that it might make you appear weak or dependent. This fierce independence might be a way of asserting your individuality and proving your self-worth.

8. You’re constantly seeking new challenges and pushing your limits.

You’re not content with simply maintaining the status quo. You’re always looking for ways to grow, learn, and evolve. You might take on ambitious projects, set challenging goals, and push yourself to the brink of your abilities. This relentless pursuit of growth might be fueled by a fear of stagnation, a fear of becoming complacent and ordinary.

9. You have a tendency to overthink and overanalyze.

You spend a lot of time dissecting your thoughts, actions, and interactions. You might worry excessively about what everybody else thinks of you, Psych Central notes, or whether you’re making the right decisions. This tendency to overthink might stem from a fear of making mistakes or appearing foolish.

10. You’re drawn to creative expression and artistic pursuits.

You find solace and fulfillment in creative activities like writing, painting, music, or dance. You might use these outlets to express your unique perspective, emotions, and experiences. This artistic inclination might be a way of distinguishing yourself from the crowd and leaving your mark on the world.

11. You’re highly adaptable and resilient.

You’re able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances with relative ease. You might view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than sources of discouragement. This resilience might be a testament to your inner strength and determination to overcome any obstacle in your path.

12. You have a strong sense of purpose and direction.

You have a clear vision for your life and a deep-seated belief in your potential. You might feel a calling to make a difference in the world or leave a lasting legacy. This sense of purpose might be a way of transcending the ordinary and achieving something extraordinary.

13. You’re highly curious and inquisitive.

You have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding. You ask questions, always try to find new information, and explore different perspectives. This curiosity might be fueled by a desire to expand your horizons and avoid the stagnation of ignorance.

14. You’re passionate and enthusiastic about your interests.

You have a zest for life and a genuine enthusiasm for the things that matter to you. You might be deeply involved in hobbies, causes, or communities that you find meaningful and inspiring. This passion might be a way of expressing your individuality and connecting with people who share your interests.

Originally from Australia, Emma Mills graduated from the University of Queensland with a dual degree in Philosophy and Applied Linguistics before moving to Los Angeles to become a professional matchmaker (a bit of a shift, obviously). Since 2015, she has helped more than 150 people find lasting love and remains passionate about bringing amazing singletons together.

Emma is also the author of the upcoming Hachette publication, "Off the Beaten Track: Finding Lasting Love in the Least Likely of Places," due out in January 2025.